News

On April 19, 2025, the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, in collaboration with its branch at Secondary School No. 101 of the Astana City Akimat and with the support of the "Methodological Center" of the Department of Education of the Astana Akimat, held an international scientific-practical seminar titled “Abai's Concept of the ‘Perfect Human’ — The Guiding Principle of Kazakh Spirituality,” dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the great poet, thinker, and composer Abai Qunanbaiuly.

The seminar aimed to improve teaching methods of Abai’s works, integrate his philosophical legacy into education, and foster professional exchange among innovative educators and creatively-minded students through modern technology.

Participants were welcomed by the orchestra of traditional instruments from Astana International University. The event brought together over 500 attendees, including public figures, writers, scholars, university professors, school teachers, and students.

The program included exhibitions, a PODCAST zone, a round table on “Abai’s Concept and Modern Times,” national art performances, a plenary session, and various thematic breakout sessions.

The exhibition featured items such as museum artifacts from the Bukhar Zhyrau Literature and Art Museum, methodological tools from the "Til-Qazyna" National Scientific-Practical Center, educational resources, electronic games, and national handicrafts created by teachers of visual and applied arts.

At the PODCAST platform, Abai’s direct descendant, veteran educator Laylya Mukhlysqyzy, gave an interview titled “Abai’s Legacy — A Beacon in the Memory of Generations.” Additionally, poet and Abai scholar Almakhan Mukhametkalykhyzy presented her book “Characters of ‘The Path of Abai’ and Abai.”

The round table facilitated discussions among Abai scholars on pressing issues in education and child development.

The seminar opened with a performance of “Abai’s Homeland” by traditional singer Gulmira Ayymgazyqyzy from the “Shabyt” Academy. A moving student performance titled “The Battle of Light and Dark” was followed by a choir of 180 teachers singing Abai’s “Zhelsiz tún’de zharyq ai,” joined in unison by the audience.

During the plenary session, both local and international scholars presented. Twelve seminar rooms hosted sessions across various themes: performing Abai’s music, poetry contests, artwork based on Abai’s prose, educational comic creation, pedagogical innovations, and master classes.

Participants expressed their gratitude via QR feedback, noting the high standard of the event and the enduring significance of Abai’s philosophy for Kazakh spirituality.

On behalf of the AIU administration, sincere thanks are extended to Associate Professor, PhD Galiyabanu Kabievna Rezuanova; Principal of School No. 101 Alma Altynkhanovna Zhumabekova; Deputy Principal Almagul Zhaikovna Nurgalieva; literature teachers; methodologist Saya Ualikhanovna Kabazhaeva; and Methodological Center’s specialist Zhanar Seitakhmetovna Maman.

On April 24, 2025, Astana International University hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The event was held in the format of an academic dialogue focused on developing cooperation in science and education.

The AIU side was represented by Vice President Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor Meiram Qazhykен, Director of the Kazakhstan Branch of the Research Institute of the New Asia-Europe Land-Sea Corridor Nurali Irsaliev, and researcher Berik Tabynbayev.

The Chinese delegation included Deputy Director of the Institute Jin Zhe, Head of the Department for Multilateral and Regional Cooperation Li Yunhui, Deputy Head of the Department of the Russian Economy Gao Zixiang, and senior researchers Jiang Jin and Zhao Yumin.

The discussion centered around joint research, academic exchanges, and potential collaborative projects. Topics included the development of international transport routes such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Trans-Caspian corridor, digitalization, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and partnerships within organizations such as the SCO, CICA, and BRICS.

Special attention was paid to the strategic role of Central Asia. As one participant noted, “Central Asia is at the crossroads of roads — and that brings great responsibility.” The importance of gradual, trust-based cooperation was also emphasized: “Small steps toward each other mark the beginning of a long journey.”

Culture and education were highlighted as key foundations for sustainable partnership and long-term dialogue.

AIU sees such meetings as valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, build new connections, and launch joint initiatives in science and education.

On April 18, 2025, Deputy Dean of the Higher School of Natural Sciences Madina Kazhimerovna Karibaeva and Chairperson of the “Clean and Green” Eco-Club Karakoz Nagashybaykyzy Nagashybayeva (3rd year student of the “Ecology and Nature Management” program) took part in a dialogue platform on the topic “How students can change the ecological environment in universities: a conscious approach to the future of the planet”, organized by the youth wing of the NPO “NPC” Jas Orta as part of the republican campaign “Taza Kazakhstan”.

Karibayeva M.K. and Nagashybayeva K.N. shared their experience in implementing environmental initiatives and spoke about the implementation of sustainable environmental practices among students.

During the event, the participants discussed the importance of developing environmental culture among young people, conscious consumption, waste sorting and recycling, as well as the active participation of students in improving the environmental situation.

We thank the organizers for the opportunity to take part in such a significant event and contribute to the common sustainable future of our country!

From April 15 to 17, 2025, Astana International University (AIU) participated in an international scientific workshop dedicated to the anniversary of Professor Mikhail Lvovich Goldman. Held online, the event brought together prominent researchers and scholars from Russia, Kazakhstan, and other countries.

Organizers:

• Vladikavkaz Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences

• Lomonosov Moscow State University

• Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba

• Astana International University (AIU)

Purpose:
The workshop focused on current challenges in the fields of functional spaces and differential equations, fostering international academic exchange and scientific collaboration.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Entropy estimates of embedding operators in Sobolev spaces

• Hardy-type inequalities and their generalizations

• Limitations of integral operators

AIU’s Role:
AIU played an active role in organizing the workshop, strengthening its connections with leading scientific institutions and demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence.

Conclusion:
This workshop reaffirmed AIU’s strategic focus on advancing research and building strong international academic partnerships, further enhancing its presence in the global scientific arena.

On April 22 of this year, a vibrant Plenary Session of the International Scientific Conference of AIU took place at the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, marking the opening of the large-scale event “AIU-2025: Kazakhstan and the International Educational Space: Cooperation for the Future.”

📅 The conference is being held from April 22 to 25 in a hybrid format — in person at Astana International University and online with the participation of experts from various countries. The event is dedicated to the Day of Science and has become a significant occasion for discussing the future of education, science, and global cooperation.

🔹 The day began with a museum tour — a cultural immersion ahead of the packed agenda.

🔹 Welcoming remarks were delivered by Acting President of AIU, Anar Bazarovna Myrzagaliyeva, and Director of the Presidential Center, Bakhytzhan Berikbayevich Temirbolat, who emphasized the strategic importance of international partnerships in the field of education.

🗣 The Plenary Session brought together distinguished speakers from Kazakhstan, China, Poland, Pakistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Denmark. Each presentation made a meaningful contribution to the discussion on the future of education, scientific research, and global challenges.

📌 Key plenary session presentations included:

• Liu Xianqian, Director from the Chinese side of the branch campus of Beijing Language and Culture University in Kazakhstan (China) — on the prospects of Kazakhstan–China cooperation in higher education.

• Jolanta Rozowska, Chair of the Board of the European Children’s Universities Network (EUCU.NET), Poland — on international educational networks as platforms for collaboration.

• Shujaul Mulk Khan, Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan (online) — on science and climate as a shared global challenge.

• Olga Pavlovna Nedospasova, Professor at Tomsk State University, Russia — on new horizons of employment and labor market institutions in modern economic models.

• Cholpon Kachkynbekovna Sydykova, Director of the Higher School of Economics and Business at Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov, Kyrgyzstan — on the development of dual education in higher education systems.

• Emin Atasoy, Professor at Bursa Uludağ University, Turkey — on the issues in geographical science and geography education in the Republic of Turkey.

• Arman Zeynullynovich Assanbayev, Professor at Astana International University, Kazakhstan — on the role of world-class universities in the development of higher education in Kazakhstan.

🌍 A particularly captivating presentation was given by Sheila Christiansen (Denmark) — CEO of SheileX, who, in her speech “The Importance of Space Infrastructure for Achieving Climate and Educational Goals,” offered a unique perspective on the interconnection between technology, sustainable development, and education.

☕ During the coffee break, participants actively exchanged opinions, ideas, and business cards, discussing opportunities for cooperation and joint scientific projects.

🔜 The conference continues! Join the breakout sessions, master classes, and roundtables hosted at AIU!

On April 20, 2025, in celebration of the International Chinese Language Day, a large-scale seminar on enhancing the teaching competencies of Chinese language teachers in Central Asia was held in Astana. The initiative came from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kazakhstan, and the event was organized by the Kazakhstan branch campus of Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU).

At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin; the President of Astana International University, Serik Aztaevich Irsaliyev; and the renowned sinologist, Professor Klara Shaissultanovna Khafizova from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The Rector of BLCU, Duan Peng, addressed the participants via a video message.

Ambassador Han Chunlin quoted the Kazakh proverb, “Language is the key to the soul,” emphasizing that the Chinese language carries the wisdom of a millennia-old civilization. He highlighted the uniqueness of Chinese characters, referencing symbols like ren (benevolence) and dao (way), the achievements of Chinese science and culture, and described the development of Chinese language teaching in Kazakhstan as a “golden opportunity.”

Serik Aztaevich Irsaliyev, President of Astana International University, emphasized the importance of the seminar as a platform for experience exchange, professional community building, and expanding cooperation between educational institutions of both countries.

In his video address, BLCU Rector Duan Peng called the Kazakhstan branch campus a “jewel of humanitarian exchange” between China and Kazakhstan, carrying a special mission since its foundation. He expressed hope that the seminar would become a pivotal point in the development of the Chinese language in the region.

Professor Klara Khafizova, in her speech, explored the expressiveness of Chinese characters, the importance of tones, and the connection of the Chinese language to the ethnocultural history of the region's peoples.

Experts from BLCU, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nazarbayev University, and other institutions delivered presentations. Nearly 100 participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China actively engaged in discussions.

Participants — experts and educators — unanimously recognized the event's success: new knowledge was gained, experiences exchanged, pressing issues discussed, and understanding of Chinese language teaching in Kazakhstan deepened. Topics included the future of Chinese amid global changes, the role of international standards in teaching characters, the effectiveness of the “less theory — more practice” approach, methods and theories of using Deepseek in international Chinese teaching, and new attempts to create culturally rich textbooks for beginner learners. Even after the seminar ended, discussions continued, with participants actively sharing ideas and expressing their readiness to contribute to the strengthening and development of Chinese language education in Kazakhstan.

🎉 Topic: The Development and Diversity of the Children's University in Poland: Experience, Practice, and Inspiration
👩‍🏫 Guest Speaker: Jolanta Różowska
President of EUCUNET

🗓 Date: April 23, 2025
🕒 Time: 15:00 – 16:00
📍 Venue: Building 1, Room 207
📌 Astana International University

✨ We invite you to discuss educational projects for children, explore international experience, and gain inspiring ideas!

🟢 Round Table

🎓 Topic: "The Network of Children's Universities in Kazakhstan: Experience Exchange and Future Prospects"
👩‍🏫 Guest Speaker: Jolanta Różowska
President of EUCUNET

🗓 Date: April 23, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 12:00
📍 Venue: Building 1, Room 207
📌 Astana International University

📚 The Pedagogical Institute invites you to a round table discussion on the topic:
"The History of Kazakhstan, Culture, and Ethnodemographic Issues in the Sphere of International Education"

📍 Venue:
Astana International University
Astana, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, 8
Building 1, Room 207

🗓 Date: April 22, 2025
🕑 Time: 14:00

✨ Join us for a meaningful discussion on key issues in education, culture, and international cooperation!

At the Children's University of the Astana International University (AIU), there are no dull homework assignments or grades. Instead, students engage in experiments, uncover the mysteries of nature, and transform knowledge into superpowers! On March 29, 2025, the Children's University buzzed with energy during the "Knowledge Invasion 2025" exhibition. Fifth and sixth-grade students from schools No. 17 and No. 4 in Astana, alongside university students, showcased a vision of the future featuring robots, scientific projects, and cosmic enigmas. Subsequently, on April 5 and 12, a new kind of learning commenced—distinct from traditional schooling.

Mathematics proved to be anything but boring! Under the guidance of Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics, Associate Professor Almir Askarovich Aniyarov, students explored topics like "The Use of Mathematics in Everyday Life" and "Measuring Object Heights Using Geometry Theorems." They discovered how barcodes work, where mathematics appears in daily life, and its importance—all facilitated by enthusiastic and knowledgeable university students who helped unravel the secrets of numbers and shapes.Ph.D. in Biology, Associate Professor Bulat Zulkharnayevich Zhumadilov, delivered an engaging lecture on the role of living cells in the human body, expanding students' understanding of cell structure and function. Students also participated in the "Environmental Protection and Care for Nature" program led by Ph.D. in Biology, Associate Professor Dinara Turapbaevna Isakova.Students delved into the captivating world of physical phenomena during sessions titled "Science Comes Alive: Practical Physics for Children" and "Fun Physics: Experiments That Amaze," organized under the leadership of Ph.D., Associate Professor Serik Amangeldinovich Nurkenov.As part of the "We Are Friends of Nature!" theme, young attendees were introduced to the basics of ecology and natural chemistry. Sessions were conducted by Ph.D. in Chemistry, Associate Professors Damen Aukilovna Nurgalieva and Zharkyn Zhakiyevna Zhumagalieva, who captivated children with the magical world of chemical transformations.On April 5, Ph.D., Professor Binur Khabasovna Musabaeva, in collaboration with Ph.D. Gulnar Murzakanovna Nurgazina, led a session on "Chemical Elements in Nature," during which children not only learned where chemical elements can be found in everyday life but also eagerly observed fascinating experiments. On April 12, 2025, Ph.D. in Chemistry, Associate Professor Saltanat Manarbekovna Bolysbekova, conducted an unforgettable session titled "Magic Chemistry." From the very beginning, students were immersed in the atmosphere of a real scientific show. Many children later admitted, "Chemistry is now my favorite subject!"On April 5, students embarked on an extraordinary journey around the planet during the session "Natural Phenomena and Disasters," led by Ph.D. Talant Nurzhakypovich Samarkhanov. Alongside Senior Lecturer Madina Syrlybaevna Baizhanova, students learned to read maps, locate geographical objects, and understand how maps assist in navigating the modern world.During computer science sessions with Ph.D. Saule Kairollovna Damekova, students immersed themselves in the world of geographic information systems and robotics. They discovered how electronic maps are created to help manage cities and plan routes. Discussions included robots participating in the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition, as well as introductions to innovative educational robots like STEAM Qobo, Tale-Bot Pro, and the CoDrone Mini drone.We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students of the Astana International University who dedicated their passion, time, and energy to preparing and conducting these sessions. Mathematics Program (6B01506): Tazhibay Bekmakhan, Kalabay Araylym, Lesbek Nurjamal, Mayorova Darina, Zhidegaliev Sergazy, Berikbay Altyn.

Physics Program (6B01505): Zhusupbekov Damir, Amanzhol Inkar, Rustemova Symbat, Yerbolova Madina, Makhatov Alisher.

Chemistry Program (6B01503): Yesirkep Aikorkem, Zheksembek Akmaral, Moiseenko Amadey, Satybaldy Akulpa.

Geography Program (6B01504) and Master's Program (7M01504): Yergeshova Madina, Sagynbayev Algabek, Sayyn Askar, Yeskendir Mukhamedzhan, Shapikhova Anelya, Alim Zhanserik, Kaliaskar Aknur, Saparkanova Karaka, Serikkazin Aidar.

-Computer Science Program (6B01501), 1st Year:Zhanbolatov Luqman, Kadyrzhan Eldar, Bekmurza Aruzhan, Ydyge Izat, Avyzar Bekarys, Orynbay Gauhar, Uybagarova Nazereke, Tyulyugazy Medina, Bashar Nurkeldi, Yergara Birganym.